In a statement, the company said its board of directors had "formed a special committee to explore strategic alternatives" including "possible joint ventures, strategic partnerships or alliances, a sale of the company or other possible transactions".

BlackBerry has been losing money after failing to keep up with its rivals – chiefly Apple and Samsung – as increasing numbers of mobile phone users move to smartphones. In its most recent quarter the company lost $84m (£54m) and expects to lose more money in the three months to the end of September.

Going private or being bought would allow the company to reorganise its business without the pressure of outside shareholder scrutiny – which is intense after the value of the firm slumped from around $84bn in 2008 to less than $5bn now.

In an attempt to compete with its rivals, the company recently announced two new smartphones – the touchscreen Z10 device and the Q10, which includes a mini keyboard favoured by many BlackBerry users.

Thorsten Heins, BlackBerry's president and chief executive, said: "We continue to see compelling long-term opportunities for BlackBerry 10, we have exceptional technology that customers are embracing, we have a strong balance sheet and we are pleased with the progress that has been made in our transition."

The special committee comprises Heins, directors Barbara Stymiest, Richard Lynch and Bert Nordberg, and will be chaired by Timothy Dattels.

One moment it was the hi-tech communication tool of world leaders and the financial elite. The next it had lost its cutting-edge reputation, aspirational appeal – and its customers. Stuart Jeffries on the collapse of a once-mighty brand